Exploding targets prohibited On NW National Forests

Using exploding targets will be prohibited on national forestland in Oregon and Washington.

That's according to a new U.S. Forest Service rule announced this week.

Forest Service officials say exploding targets can cause wildfires.

The Blue Mountain Eagle newspaper reports that the targets have been linked to at least five wildfires on national forest lands since 2012, burning more than 15,000 acres and costing $30 million in firefighting costs.

Such a target includes two or more separate chemicals that explode when combined. They are commonly used for target practice.

The ban is set to expire in June of 2015. Violations of the ban could bring fines of up to $5,000 dollars for an individual.